Tasmania: South Africa thrashed Australia by an innings and 80 runs in Hobart Tuesday to take their third consecutive Test series Down Under.


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Led by Faf du Plessis in the absence of their regular skipper AB de Villiers, the Proteas dominated the proceedings right from Day 1 and exposed weaknesses in Australia's defense.


The Proteas demolished the hapless hosts for 161 in 60.1 overs, taking the last eight wickets for 32 to win the Test before lunch on the fourth day.


Khawaja, who scored a fighting fifty on Day 3, was the first batsman to be dismissed on Day 4 as he edged one behind the wicket at the score of 64.


Kyle Abbott led the way with six wickets for 77, while young paceman Kagiso Rabada captured four for 34. Australia were routed for 85 in the first innings, while the South Africans replied with 326.


It was their third straight test series win in Australia after their 2008 and 2012 successes.


Australia, meanwhile, face another bout of soul-searching, having slipped to a fifth consecutive test defeat after losing their first match of the home summer in 28 years in Perth.


"For us it was just about trying to fight and spend some time out in the middle," said Australia captain Steve Smith, who was caught behind off Kagiso Rabada for 31.


"It wasn’t the way we planned it, credit to South Africa I thought they bowled beautifully again this morning."


Man of the Match Kyle Abbott, the replacement for injured spearhead Dale Steyn, finished with 6-77, capturing four wickets in the morning session and triggering a stunning collapse that followed the home side`s 85 in the first innings.


Rising talent Rabada completed the rout with 4-34, following on from his five-wicket haul at the WACA.


"All our bowlers were exceptional," said Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis.


"I`m so happy for Kyle ... every single time he gets an opportunity he puts his hand up."


A number of Australia`s batsmen were culpable in their dismissals, however.


Abbott, who sent back openers Joe Burns and David Warner on day three, coaxed Usman Khawaja into chasing a wider delivery and the top order batsman nicked it to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for 64.


That ended a 50-run partnership with Smith and brought Adam Voges to the crease on a pair of ducks for an innings that many thought would save or end his test career.


Voges was out for two, completely misjudging the same bowler and nicking to the slips with an ugly, aborted pull-shot.


Rabada then intervened to remove Callum Ferguson (1), wicketkeeper Peter Nevill (6) and debutant paceman Joe Mennie for a duck in quick succession.


Abbott returned to have Mitchell Starc caught behind for a duck and wrapped up the innings when Nathan Lyon (4) spooned a simple catch to Vernon Philander at mid-on.


(With Agency inputs)